"With the one-day international series against India rapidly approaching and next winter's tour to Sri Lanka and ICC Cricket World Cup also firmly in our sights, this is the perfect opportunity for these players to impress the selectors in the 50-over format," said selector James Whitaker.

Flower stood down as director of the senior team following England's disastrous 5-0 defeat in the 2013-14 Ashes series in Australia.

The Lions, whose first match is against Sri Lanka A at Taunton on Wednesday, 6 August, will play two 50-over matches against each of the touring teams.